Oct. 22, 2009
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch (2009-10 season)
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- Iowa soccer wallpaper
- Iowasoccer.com
The University of Iowa soccer team battled Northwestern in harsh conditions Thursday night. The Hawkeyes faced off against Wildcats in rain, 40 degree temperatures and 25 mph winds. Iowa fell in extra time, 2-1.
“I thought our team played really well in tough conditions tonight,” Head Coach Ron Rainey said. “We stepped up our level of play, and this is exactly the kind of play we need to continue having to win tough games in the Big Ten. It was a tough night to play, but I think we can take a lot of good things from this game.”
Iowa’s attacking third was in full force with senior co-captain Jackie Kaeding firing at the target in the fifth minute. The ball flew high, but Morgan Showalter followed with a shot on goal just two minutes later. Northwestern’s goalkeeper Carolyn Edwards made the save.
In the 34th minute, a collision at midfield led to a Northwestern free kick. The kick was placed near the goal and Northwestern was credited with a score following an Iowa own goal.
The half time break was enough for Iowa to get fired back up in the cold weather. Keli McLaughlin challenged Edwards just 35 seconds into the second period. Although Edwards made the save, she was unprepared for a shot from Alyssa Cosnek just four seconds later. Alyscha Mottershead took control of the pass out from Edwards and sent it right back to the box where Cosnek buried the ball in the net from 18 yards out.
As the wind blew harder, the jobs of the attacking thirds became more and more difficult. Northwestern nearly secured a second goal in the 74th and 75th minutes, but Iowa goalkeeper Emily Moran was on the lookout and made stops on both attempts.
Iowa made four attempts in the last four minutes of regulation. Freshman Jade Grimm sent one in from just over the midfield line that sailed over the crossbar. Cosnek and Alex Seydel both aimed for the net in the last two minutes of the second period, but Edwards was there for the stops.
The break between the second and third periods proved to be not as helpful as the previous for the Hawkeyes. Jessica Palo scored from just inside the 18-yard box in the 92nd minute to end the game.
Cosnek led Iowa’s attack with four shots, three on goal and one score. Moran played all 90 minutes in goal and tallied six saves.
Iowa travels to Bloomington, IN Sunday for a game against No. 24 Indiana. Game time is set for 1 p.m.